Our Manufacturing Micro-Credential program can get you a job: How it works, and why you want to take it
Centennial College is always looking for new ways to connect students to careers, and this new micro-credential collaboration with the Ontario government is one of the quickest, easiest and, most importantly, no-cost ways to enter the manufacturing sector.
The SAP Integrated Advanced Manufacturing Micro-credential Certification sounds like a mouthful, but it’s really simple. It’s a micro-credential, which is a short, focused program that gives you precise skills, funded by the government to cover your tuition. This one was created by Centennial College in association with Downsview Aerospace Innovation and Research (DAIR) in partnership with the Ontario Aerospace Council (OAC) and the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development, and it starts June 20. Most importantly, thanks to the government funding, there’s no tuition to pay.
SAP stands for Systems Applications and Products. In layman’s terms, it’s the kind of software every company uses to run itself, and can do everything from scheduling personnel, to paying bills, to organizing engineering drawings. SAP is at the core of many companies, replacing paper with digital processes. If you’ve worked in a company that used software for its business processes, you’ve likely run into it. It’s the first thing you learn during this micro-credential program. Here’s how the whole program works:
Students all take the same initial 40-hour program, 10 hours a week for four weeks, focused on SAP, where you learn how to use enterprise resource planning software for manufacturing processes. After that, you’ll move on to one of three streams of your choice:
STREAM A: MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION: If you’re mechanically inclined, like to work with your hands, tools or make things, this stream is for you.
STREAM B: AUTOMATION AND INDUSTRY 4.0: For people more interested in the automation part of the manufacturing environment, as well as learning about robotics and PLC programming.
STREAM C: QUALITY CONTROL AND ASSURANCE. Ideal for people that are detail oriented and have an interest in measuring and organizing data.
That’s the how, and here’s the most important part: Why you want to take it.
It’s tuition-free!
Thanks to government funding, there’s no tuition fees for taking this program, and learning material is provided. Taking this program costs you nothing but your time. And speaking of time….
It’s short
From start to finish, the program runs 20 weeks in total. It lets you get your foot in the door and explore if this is an industry that’s right for you. And because (again) it’s free, it’s costing you nothing.
It’s for learners of any background, especially those who are interested in advanced manufacturing
If you’ve just graduated high school, and are looking to start working, then you qualify for this micro-credential. But it’s not only for high school students. You could be a long-time worker who simply wants to upskill in a field you’re already in, and learn some new skills, or someone unemployed or underemployed.
Start a new career, or upgrade what you want
Just looking to get into the work force? This is a direct pathway into a job. If you’re already working in any industry with a manufacturing component, this micro-credential is the gateway that allows you to apply to some of the positions you’ve wanted in the past.
Learn from the comfort of your own home at the start
The first part of the program is online, featuring virtual lectures, and assignments you can work on in the comfort of your own home.
But also, get practical experience
Once you pick your stream of study, you’ll be travelling to one of Centennial College’s campuses for about six hours each week, for practical, experiential learning with the real machines you’d be using on the job.
Get working fast
The program will train you quickly, but more importantly, there’s job placement help if you want it. Job developers who work with the micro-credential program are connecting companies and students who are looking for employment. The program comes with four weeks of placement in a paid position, getting your foot in the door to see if the advanced manufacturing sector is right for you!
Skills that fit anywhere
The skills learned in this micro-credential can be applied to manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive, pharmaceuticals, packaging and food production. You acquire skills that are make you very marketable, making it easier to find a job in a variety of advanced manufacturing industries.
So, it’s a free program, you’re done in under six months, you can have almost any educational background, and it’ll directly connect you to a job. What’s not to like? Check this page out for more details on micro-credentials, and sign up today!
Written By: Anthony Geremia